New york: The meeting on Cyprus taking place in New York is set to provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue and exchange views on progress since the March meeting, according to St©phane Dujarric, the Spokesman of the UN Secretary-General, during a briefing at the UN headquarters. The gathering, which follows an informal meeting held in Geneva earlier this year, is being convened by the UN Secretary-General and includes Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, as well as representatives from Greece, Turkey, and the UK.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the informal meeting will commence with a welcome dinner at the UN headquarters. The discussions are scheduled to continue with bilateral meetings between the UN Secretary-General and delegation leaders, followed by a plenary meeting and a working lunch. The session will conclude tomorrow afternoon.
The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, following Turkey’s invasion and occupation of its northern third. Previous UN-led peace talks have not succeeded, with the last round in July 2017 at Crans-Montana, Switzerland, ending without resolution. The current meeting aims to build on trust initiatives agreed in Geneva, which include opening new crossing points and forming committees on youth, demining, and climate change.
The informal meeting in New York was agreed upon during the Geneva meeting. Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, along with foreign ministers from Greece and Turkey and the UK’s Minister of State for Europe, are participating. The Greek Cypriot side hopes this meeting will restart substantive negotiations on the Cyprus problem.
In May, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Maria Angela Holguin as his Personal Envoy for Cyprus, to assist in reengaging parties for future steps. President Christodoulides is accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including the Attorney General and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.